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So far, it's a rumor unconfirmed by "Idol" producers. But in a season when episodes have consistently struggled to stay in the one-hour time frame, it makes sense.

The Top 5 round, for example, is traditionally a night when each contestant sings two songs. This year, the finalists sang just one -- presumably to account for the extra time that came with the addition of a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi.

Adding a duet instead of a second tune for the Top 4 would make for six total performances instead of eight -- and a better likelihood the show will end in time.

Still, "Idol" has never before used the duet concept, and it has potential to require extra rehearsal time and interfere with the show's single-singer focus.